WILLEMSTAD – A Dutch tourist who became lost while hiking in the Lagun area of Banda Bou on Tuesday evening was successfully located with the assistance of a Coast Guard helicopter.
According to authorities, the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) of the Coast Guard received a request for assistance from the Curaçao Police Force shortly after sunset on March 3.
The tourist had contacted the police herself after realizing she had lost her way during a walk in the area and was unable to find the route back. Fortunately, she still had enough battery power on her mobile phone to report her situation and remain in contact with authorities.
After receiving the report, the MOC immediately coordinated with a Coast Guard helicopter that was already on patrol at the time. The aircraft adjusted its flight route and headed toward the Lagun area to assist in locating the stranded visitor.
During the operation, police officers maintained telephone contact with the tourist to help determine her approximate location and ensure her safety until the helicopter arrived in the area.
Authorities have not reported any injuries and the situation was resolved safely.